I'm sure all of us have, at one point, been a victim of an awful family photo. I can remember my aunts making matching pajamas for my sister, brother, and me. They were all flannel with ruffled collars and long sleeves....typical upstate New York winter pajamas. Somewhere there is a photo of the three of us wearing those together....let's hope that doesn't resurface! Anyway, we've all been there....and none of us want to be there again. Right?!
Here's one example I found floating around the Internet.
Not sure who the photographer is, but WOW....AWKWARD! LOL
As a photographer, I want to make sure that your family photos are beautiful, timeless, and fun. I want to capture the essence of your family and your love for each other. Of course, there will always be room for some fun, goofy pictures, but ultimately most families are looking for something to frame and hang on the wall for decades to come. As a photographer, that's a LOT of pressure! But, with the right planning your dream family photos can be a reality.
In my experience, there are some tips that can make your family photo amazing:
- Pick the right location. If you have a beautiful yard or a great park in your neighborhood, those are great places to photograph you because you will naturally feel more comfortable there. Living in Southeast Florida, families always love the beach and I LOVE to photograph them at the beach. However, you have to keep in mind that taking photos at noon on a Saturday at the beach is less than ideal (think bright overhead sun, tons of half-naked fat people in the background, etc.). Depending on the location, you may be limited on the times/days that you can take great photos. Outdoor photos are always best just after sunrise and just before sunset. That means you'll have to be prepared to move quickly and follow directions so you can get lots of photos to choose from. And if the weather is yucky, have a back-up plan or we can always reschedule.
- Coordinate your outfits. Obviously I don't mean that you should all have matching long-sleeve flannel pajamas....but you should consider how you want your photo to "feel". Families should feel cohesive! I often suggest families pick 1 or 2 colors and all dress within that range. On the right, there are a few samples for you to see. You could each wear something within the selected color group and then wear basic white, black, or khaki so that the overall effect is appealing. Or you could all wear white shirts, khaki shorts or pants, and have accessories that "pop". Be creative and feel free to contact me with ideas or suggestions you might have prior to the photo shoot. Props are okay too!
- Make sure the kiddos know what to expect. Talk to your kids about having family photos done, show them examples of your old family photos, and let them help you pick out outfits. Be careful though...you don't want them to feel too stressed about being photographed. Of course, older kids should be given plenty of time to prepare...there's nothing worse than a cranky teenager who is mad because they didn't know until a few hours before and their favorite shirt was in the dirty laundry.
- Be prepared! Kids need naps ahead of time, snacks and drinks that won't stain their faces or clothes, toys to keep them smiling or get their attention, and praise for doing a great job during the photo shoot. Babies and toddlers often require extra bottles, squeaky toys so they can look at the camera, or their favorite person to make a funny face so they laugh and smile. You should also consider family haircuts in advance (1 to 2 weeks before is best), and if it's in your budget, you can always hire a make-up artist and/or hair stylist to make the day extra special. (Let me know if you need recommendations!) Bring makeup and hair styling products for touch ups.
- Let me lead. Once your family arrives, I'll take the time to meet everyone, learn their names and gauge their personalities. While you are the disciplinarian at home, disciplining kids during a photo shoot can be stressful and lead to pouty faces...but by giving me the chance to talk to them at the beginning and lay down the ground rules, the whole process can go more smoothly. I'll be the one to tell the kids/teens to smile or stand in a particular spot and that will make them feel much more confident.
I look forward to spending time with you and your family! Call me today to book your family photo shoot! The holidays are right around the corner and now is a great time to take the family photo to put on your holiday card. I'm running this great special through November!
